Tragedy Strikes as Diver Loses Life in Recovery Effort for Tech Mogul's Submerged Yacht in Italy

A tragic incident unfolded off the northern coast of Sicily on May 9, 2025, when a dutch diver lost his life during a challenging salvage operation to recover the sunken superyacht Bayesian, owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. The local authorities confirmed the news.

The diver was working in the waters near Porticello,a quaint port not far from palermo.The luxurious yacht,measuring 56 meters (about 184 feet),sank last August amid a fierce storm. While investigations are ongoing to determine what led to this unfortunate event, reports indicate that the diver was struck by metal debris while trying to detach part of the yacht’s rigging.

This recovery mission is being managed by TMC Marine from Britain in partnership with Dutch firms Hebo Maritiemservice and SMIT Salvage, along with assistance from Italian marine specialists. TMC Marine expressed their condolences and stated they are fully cooperating with authorities as they look into what happened.

Around 70 experts from various European countries have been mobilized for this operation aimed at retrieving the Bayesian from its resting place approximately 50 meters (164 feet) underwater. Recently resumed efforts included an updated survey revealing no significant changes in the yacht’s condition since it sank.

The plan involves stabilizing the vessel upright using steel slings before lifting it out of its watery grave. Its extensive rigging and towering mast—one of the tallest globally at 72 meters (236 feet)—will be temporarily removed and stored on-site for later retrieval.

Once seawater is pumped out of its hull, plans will proceed to bring it back up to port safely.

The Bayesian met its fate on August 19, 2023—just five days after departing Italy—when it was caught off guard by a downburst during an unexpected storm while anchored near Porticello.This sudden disaster claimed seven lives among those aboard; tragically including Mike Lynch himself and his daughter Hannah. Other victims were prominent figures like Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy as well as U.S.-based lawyer Chris Morvillo alongside his spouse Neda; even Recaldo Thomas—the yacht’s chef originally hailing from Antigua—was among those lost.

Fifteen survivors managed to escape via lifeboat; notably including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares and a one-year-old child who were lucky enough to make it out alive.

Questions loom over how such an impressive vessel could sink so rapidly under adverse weather conditions when naval experts believe it should have endured better against nature’s fury. The hope is that salvaging efforts will uncover vital clues about why this tragedy occurred.

So far,there have been no reports of pollution stemming from the wreckage; authorities remain vigilant in monitoring environmental impacts while taking precautions like sealing tank vents to mitigate any potential damage.

Inquiries are currently underway in Britain regarding Mr. Lynch’s family members’ deaths along with those of other British nationals involved in this heartbreaking incident—a somber reminder that even luxury can’t shield us from nature’s unpredictability or tragedy’s reach.